Printable menstrual migraine diary
Three months on one page to log your periods, attacks and medication, and see whether your migraines follow your cycle. Free, no sign-up.
PDF, 2 pages.
Why track your migraines with your cycle?
For many women, attacks come back around their period. Doctors call it menstrual migraine when attacks start between 2 days before and 3 days after the first day of the period, in at least 2 cycles out of 3.
To find out, you need to log your periods and attacks for at least 3 cycles: that is exactly what this diary is for. Confirming it can change your treatment, for example with a treatment targeted on those few days.
How to fill it in
- 1Write the month at the start of each row. On each period day, tick the “Period” box.
- 2On each attack day, write the intensity from 1 to 10 in the “Attack” row, and tick “Med” if you took an acute medication.
- 3At the end of each cycle, fill in the summary: first day of your period, and whether you had an attack between 2 days before and 3 days after.
- 4On page 2, add details for each attack if you like, then bring the diary to your next appointment.
What your doctor will look at
- Whether your attacks fall around your period in at least 2 cycles out of 3.
- Whether you also have attacks at other times of the cycle, which guides the treatment.
- How long and how strong period attacks are, as they are often longer and more severe.
- Your medication days, to avoid medication overuse.
Frequently asked questions
How many cycles should I track?
At least 3. Doctors speak of menstrual migraine when attacks fall around the period in at least 2 cycles out of 3.
What if my cycles are irregular?
The diary still works: it follows calendar days, not a theoretical cycle. Just tick your period days when they come.
What about the pill?
The diary works too. On the pill, attacks often fall in the pill-free or placebo week, and the diary will show it. Talk to your doctor, especially if you have migraine with aura.
